Breaking Barriers: A Conversation with Ashleigh Nicholson, Electrical Apprentice

A Passion for understanding how things work

For Ashleigh, pursuing a career in the electrical trade was a natural choice. As a child, she was always curious about how things worked and how they were put together. She remembers spending time in the shed with her dad, watching him fix things and wondering how he did it. As she got older, her curiosity only grew stronger, and she eventually decided to pursue an electrical apprenticeship.

Coming from a family of practical learners who work in practical industries, she knew early on that university wasn’t the right path for her. She wanted to do something hands-on that would allow her to use her practical skillset to its fullest potential. Pursuing an apprenticeship in the electrical industry was the perfect opportunity for her to do just that.

Driving progress in a male-dominated industry

Ashleigh’s journey began with a one-year pre-trade training course that provided practical, real-world experience before entering her apprenticeship. This experience was a great first step in Ashleigh’s career pathway and reinforced her decision to enter the electrical industry.

During her pre-trade, Ashleigh gained hands-on experience in various aspects of electrical work, such as wiring, circuitry, and safety protocols. This experience helped her understand what it would be like to work as an electrician and confirmed her passion for the trade. However, her experience also highlighted the gender gap within the industry, with Ashleigh explaining how she was one of only two females in a large class of students, which was an eye-opening experience for her.

“As the only two females in our class, we created a mutually encouraging and supportive friendship that has continued as we’ve moved into the industry. The gender-split within our pre-trade class is certainly representative of the industry with the field being largely male-dominated.”

“This shouldn’t discourage women from pursuing this pathway though – progress is always being made, and joining the industry, as a woman, is how we continue that progress.” she said.

Trade industries have been traditionally male dominated, but this is slowly changing. The rise of women entering the industry demonstrates that their capabilities are making a mark and proves their success within the industry. However, there is still a long way to go to achieve gender equality in the electrical industry.

As Ashleigh explained, women are still underrepresented in the industry, and this can be discouraging for those who are considering pursuing a career in the electrical trade. However, Ashleigh and her classmate’s friendship and support for each other show that women can succeed in this field.

Joining the electrical industry as a woman may seem daunting, but it’s important to remember that progress is being made. Women like Ashleigh and her classmate are paving the way for the next generation of female leaders in the industry. By joining the industry, women can continue to drive progress and inspire others to follow in their footsteps.

Breaking down barriers

Despite the gender gap, Ashleigh was determined to succeed in her chosen career path and her commitment to her work has earned her the respect of her colleagues and supervisors.

“Ashleigh is driven and eager to learn and upskill, she has great motivation which makes her a great asset for our team.” Said Stephen Hughes, Maintenance Contracts Manager

Ashleigh’s perseverance has led to her thriving in her role as an Electrical Apprentice at Ward Chandler and she’s proud to be part of a company that values diversity and inclusivity – she’s excited about the career prospects within the industry.

“I think there’s so much potential for growth and innovation in the electrical trade.” she says.

“New technologies are emerging all the time, and there’s a real need for skilled workers to help implement them.”

Ashleigh is also passionate about encouraging more women to consider careers in the trades.

“I think it’s important for young women to know that there are opportunities out there for them” she says.

However, Ashleigh does acknowledge that the industry needs to make some changes to encourage more people to join it, with older mindsets creating barriers and contributing to some apprentices stepping away before qualifying.

“There are some individuals who have an older mindset in the industry that don’t always treat apprentices with respect. I think it’s likely because they themselves were not treated with respect when they were apprentices” she says.

“It creates a cycle that needs to be broken to encourage more people, regardless of gender, to join and stay in an industry that desperately needs more people”.

It’s important to note that this is not unique to the electrical industry. Many industries have individuals with outdated mindsets who may not be welcoming to newcomers. However, as Ashleigh says, it’s important to break this cycle to create a more inclusive and welcoming workplace for everyone.

To encourage more people to join the electrical industry, companies need to create a culture of respect and inclusivity. They need to ensure that apprentices are treated with respect and given the support they need to succeed. This includes providing them with the necessary training, resources, and opportunities to grow.

At McKay, we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone has equal opportunities to grow and thrive. We believe that diversity in the workplace is essential for success and are proud to have team members like Ashleigh, who are paving the way for the next generation of female leaders in infrastructure.

A bright future

Ashleigh is a shining example of a woman who has found her calling in the electrical industry. She is feeling bright about her career as an electrician and knows that she has many opportunities available to her. However, she hopes to work within the field of electrical maintenance, staying on the tools and working on the job.

Ashleigh’s passion for her work is evident in her desire to teach apprentices on the job and help others looking to start their electrical career. She doesn’t see herself sitting in an office with paperwork but instead wants to be out in the field, making a difference.

Ashleigh’s story is an inspiring one. She faced challenges in a male-dominated industry but doesn’t let them hold her back. Instead, she embraces them and uses them as an opportunity to grow and progress in her career. Her positive attitude and determination are what make her a role model for others. By sharing her story, Ashleigh hopes to inspire others to pursue their dreams and break down barriers in their own lives. She wants to encourage more women to join the electrical industry and show them that they can succeed in a male-dominated field.